Director of Unmanned Systems (Business Development)
- Suffolk, VA
- Permanent
- Full-time
The ideal candidate will lead SimIS' Unmanned Systems portfolio while serving as the primary Business Development Director for capture, proposal development, and technical writing activities. This executive-level position combines strategic leadership in autonomy technologies with comprehensive business development responsibilities across the full BD lifecycle from opportunity identification through award. The role requires expertise in autonomous systems, unmanned platforms, AI/ML technologies, and proven success in federal contracting business development processes.The candidate performs the following specific assignments:
UxS Portfolio Leadership:
- Develops and executes strategic vision for SimIS' autonomous systems capabilities including UGS, USV, UAS, and AI/ML integration
- Leads capability development, technology roadmaps, and investment strategies for autonomous platforms and intelligent systems
- Provides technical leadership for autonomous systems integration across air, ground, maritime, and space domains
- Coordinates with government stakeholders, industry partners, and academic institutions on autonomy initiatives
- Oversees development of autonomous systems requirements, gap analyses, and DOTMLPF-P assessments
- Manages autonomous systems portfolio budget, resource allocation, and performance metrics
- Leads technical reviews, capability demonstrations, and technology transition activities
- Serves as primary BD Director for UxS’ responsible for capture strategy, proposal management, and business development across all SimIS UxS offerings
- Develops and implements comprehensive capture strategies from opportunity identification through contract award
- Leads competitive intelligence gathering, customer relationship management, and opportunity shaping activities
- Manages proposal development processes including technical writing, cost analysis, and compliance reviews
- Coordinates cross-functional proposal teams including technical, cost, contracts, and management personnel
- Develops and maintains strategic partnerships with prime contractors, subcontractors, and technology partners
- Manages BD pipeline, forecasting, and win/loss analysis to drive continuous improvement
- Conducts market analysis and competitive assessments for autonomous systems and related technology markets
- Develops pricing strategies, teaming arrangements, and capture investments for targeted opportunities
- Creates and delivers capability briefings, technical presentations, and executive-level communications
- Manages customer engagement activities including conferences, trade shows, and technical demonstrations
- Supports contract negotiations, licensing agreements, and strategic partnership development
- Leads proposal color team reviews, compliance assessments, and proposal quality control processes
- Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Business Administration, or related field; Master's degree preferred
- Minimum of 12-15 years of progressive experience in business development, capture management, or program management
- Minimum of 8-10 years of experience with autonomous systems, unmanned platforms, or related technologies
- Proven track record of successful captures and contract awards in federal market segments
- Experience with PMBOK methodologies and formal project management practices
- Knowledge of federal acquisition processes, JCIDS, and defense procurement cycles
- Experience with proposal development, technical writing, and competitive source selections
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and technical documentation
- Project Management Professional (PMP) certification
- Shipley Associates certification in capture and proposal processes
- Experience with DoD, DHS, or other federal agency business development
- Background in AI/ML technologies, robotics, or advanced autonomous systems
- Experience with SBIR/STTR programs and technology transition processes
- Knowledge of acquisition lifecycle management and capability development processes
- Experience with teaming agreements, joint ventures, and strategic partnerships
- Background in government contracting, including FAR/DFARS compliance
- Experience with cost analysis, pricing strategies, and competitive assessments
- Understanding of DOTMLPF-P framework and force development processes
- Background in unmanned systems design, testing, or operations
- Experience coordinating with multi-disciplinary technical teams
- Exceptional leadership and executive presence with ability to influence at senior levels
- Outstanding written and verbal communication skills with experience briefing C-suite executives
- Strong analytical and strategic thinking abilities with data-driven decision making
- Proficiency with CRM systems, proposal management tools, and business development software
- Deep understanding of autonomous systems technologies, capabilities, and market trends
- Experience with competitive intelligence gathering and market analysis methodologies
- Ability to manage multiple complex initiatives simultaneously with competing priorities
- Strong negotiation skills and experience with contract terms and conditions
- Demonstrated success in building and maintaining customer relationships at executive levels
- Medical, Dental, and Vision
- Short Term Disability (at no cost to you) & Long-Term Disability
- Life Insurance
- Flex Spending Accounts
- 401(k) Savings Plan
- Tuition Assistance Program
- Professional Development
- Paid Time Off (PTO)
- 11 Federal Holidays each year